Paul Bates, 78, of Mexico, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Glenn Forman officiating the service.

Visitation will be on Monday, January 31 from 12:30 until time of services at Friendship Baptist Church.

Paul was born on June 28, 1943 in Moberly, the son of Grant and Katheryn (Welch) Bates. On June 23, 1984, in Mexico, he married Veleta Sullivan.

Paul loved the flag and the country for which it stood.  He was an avid guitar player.  Paul was able to travel to various places to perform, including the Grand Ole Opry.  Paul would spend leisure time hunting and fishing.  He would spend time mowing his yard multiple times a week.

Survivors include his wife, Veleta Bates of Mexico, daughters, Stacey (Doug) Burrow of Mexico and Connie Bates of Kansas City; sons, Justin Bates (fiancé Jessica Winn) of Mexico and Steven Bates of Nebraska; one brother, Stephen Prickett of Rhode Island; two sisters, Elaine Rosenberger of Parsons, KS and Ester Hoffman of Iowa; four grandchildren, Dylan Burrow, Katie Burrow, Hunter Bates and Roseanne Winn.

Mr. Bates was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Katheryn Bates; two daughters, Deanna Bates and Beverly Bates; one brother, Gary Bates.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Laura George Help Center. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.